Welcome to the NW Suburban Teachers Union

Dear Colleagues,

I know that for as long as I can remember Labor Day has been about the barbeque's, parades, and maybe a last chance to get out of town before buckling down for the busy school year. However, since beginning my involvement in the union, and my work with all of you, I have realized the much greater opportunity that we have in celebrating Labor Day. When President Garfield in an effort to appease labor leaders after a long and violent strike rushed to pass legislation marking Labor Day as a Federal Holiday in 1894 he wrote, "Labor Day is an opportunity to honor the strength and espirt de corps of the trade and labor organizations."

As we look back on the struggles and achievements of American workers it can become easy to sit back and rest on the laurels of their hard earned successes. We are in year 1 of a 5 year contract, we remain some of the best compensated educators in the state of Illinois, and are enjoying a new beginning in our relationship with district administration. We have unprecedented opportunities to strengthen our commitment to each other as colleagues, our students, our over 500,000 brothers and sisters in the Chicago Federation of Labor, and our umbrella organizations the AFT and AFL-CIO. These are the opportunities that we have seen over 300 members enjoy during our Sox game excursion and others enjoy through the District 211 Foundation Fundraiser last weekend. The plans of our newly formed social and professional development committees will surely give us even more to look forward to as we continue into the school year.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to all of our member teachers, teacher assistants, counselors, social workers, OT/PT's, SLI's, and psychologists. It is your commitment to our profession and our union that makes District 211 so successful. Please take a moment this weekend as you enjoy our great success to remember the many workers in the United States and abroad that do not enjoy the many benefits and protections that we enjoy every day. In it's 115 year history Labor Day has become a celebration of many achievements, but it is also a chance for us to renew the struggle of our forefathers.

All my best for a safe and wonderful long weekend!

In unity,

Jason